Astrology is much more than just the 12 zodiac signs we hear about every day. Each zodiac sign can be further subdivided into smaller sections called Vargas, giving us a deeper understanding of how planetary influences work. These subdivisions offer a more detailed view of a person’s life, personality, and destiny. In this blog, we’ll explore the different divisions of zodiac signs—how they work, what they mean, and why they’re important.
By breaking down the signs into smaller parts like Rasi, Hora, Drekkana, Navamsa, and more, astrologers can provide more specific insights and predictions. This blog will guide you through each of these divisions, with simple explanations and plenty of examples.
What Are Vargas?
Vargas are smaller subdivisions of each zodiac sign that allow astrologers to make more accurate predictions and analyses. Think of each zodiac sign as a pie, and Vargas are the slices of that pie. Each slice gives a unique flavor to the person’s birth chart, adding more layers to their personality, strengths, and challenges.
The 30 degrees of each zodiac sign can be divided into several different Vargas, each revealing a different aspect of life. The most commonly used Vargas are:
- Rasi (whole sign, 30°)
- Hora (half of a sign, 15° each)
- Drekkana (one-third of a sign, 10° each)
- Navamsa (one-ninth of a sign, 3° 20′ each)
- Dvadasamsa (one-twelfth of a sign, 2° 30′ each)
- Trimsamsa (1° divisions)
Let’s go through each division in detail.
1. Rasi (Whole Sign, 30°)
Rasi is the most basic and familiar division of the zodiac. Each zodiac sign (like Aries, Taurus, etc.) covers 30 degrees of the zodiac, and this entire 30-degree span is called a Rasi.
- Importance: The Rasi is the foundational layer of a birth chart, representing the basic traits and characteristics of a person. It shows the general energy of the sign.
- Example: If you have a Sun sign in Leo, it means the Sun was in the 30-degree section of Leo (Rasi) when you were born. This indicates boldness, confidence, and leadership qualities.
2. Hora (Half of a Sign, 15° Each)
The next division is the Hora, which divides each Rasi (30°) into two equal parts of 15° each. Each Hora is ruled by either the Sun or the Moon, giving it distinct qualities.
- First Hora (0° to 15° of the sign): Ruled by the Sun. This Hora tends to be more active, dynamic, and energetic.
- Second Hora (15° to 30° of the sign): Ruled by the Moon. This Hora is more emotional, receptive, and nurturing.
- Example: If your Ascendant (Rising Sign) is in the first Hora of Aries, you may be more assertive and driven. If it’s in the second Hora, you might have a softer, more emotionally intuitive side.
3. Drekkana (One-Third of a Sign, 10° Each)
A Drekkana divides each Rasi into three equal parts, each covering 10 degrees. Each of these parts is ruled by a different planet, influencing how the energies of the sign express themselves.
- Importance: Drekkana is often used to understand relationships, siblings, and family dynamics. It helps to see how a person interacts with those close to them.
- Example: If your Sun is in the second Drekkana of Cancer, you might have a strong bond with your siblings or a special talent for family matters, as the second Drekkana of Cancer emphasizes family and home.
4. Navamsa (One-Ninth of a Sign, 3° 20′ Each)
One of the most critical divisions in Vedic astrology is the Navamsa, which divides each Rasi into nine equal parts, each covering 3 degrees and 20 minutes. The Navamsa is essential for understanding a person’s spiritual life, marriage, and overall life path.
- Importance: Navamsa is often called the “soul chart” because it reveals deeper aspects of a person’s nature, including marriage, relationships, and life’s purpose.
- Example: If your Moon is in the seventh Navamsa of Taurus, it might suggest a harmonious and peaceful approach to marriage, as Taurus is a stable, nurturing sign.
5. Dvadasamsa (One-Twelfth of a Sign, 2° 30′ Each)
The Dvadasamsa divides each Rasi into twelve equal parts, each covering 2 degrees and 30 minutes. This division provides insight into the influences of family, heritage, and past karma.
- Importance: The Dvadasamsa can help reveal patterns related to family, parents, and ancestors. It’s also useful for understanding a person’s inherited traits and tendencies.
- Example: If your Ascendant falls in the third Dvadasamsa of Gemini, you may have inherited communication skills or intelligence from your ancestors, as Gemini is a sign of intellect and speech.
6. Trimsamsa (One-Degree Divisions)
The Trimsamsa divides each Rasi into thirty equal parts, each covering 1 degree. This is the most detailed division of a Rasi and is often used to assess a person’s character, physical traits, and health.
- Importance: Trimsamsa helps to identify finer qualities and specific challenges, including health issues, habits, and detailed aspects of personality.
- Example: If your Mercury is in the 24th Trimsamsa of Virgo, it might suggest meticulous attention to detail in communication, as Virgo is an analytical and precise sign.
Introducing Sadvargas and Saptamsa
Sadvargas
The term Sadvargas refers to the set of six key divisions in astrology:
- Rasi
- Hora
- Drekkana
- Navamsa
- Dvadasamsa
- Trimsamsa
These divisions are essential for getting a clear understanding of a person’s life from different perspectives, like relationships, health, spirituality, and personality.
Saptamsa
The Saptamsa is another important Varga, specifically dividing each sign into seven equal parts. Each part covers about 4 degrees and 17 minutes. Saptamsa is used to understand children, creativity, and how a person’s actions impact the world.
- Example: If your Venus is in the fifth Saptamsa of Leo, it might suggest a creative and expressive approach to relationships, as Leo is a sign of drama, self-expression, and creativity.
How Vargas Affect Your Birth Chart
Each Varga adds a new layer to your birth chart, making astrology an incredibly detailed and complex system. Here’s how different Vargas might influence you:
- Rasi: Gives you the general traits of your Sun sign or any other planet in your chart.
- Hora: Helps understand how you approach wealth, comfort, and emotions.
- Drekkana: Reveals relationship dynamics and family ties.
- Navamsa: Offers insights into your spiritual side, marriage, and inner strengths.
- Dvadasamsa: Shows inherited qualities from family and ancestors.
- Trimsamsa: Provides fine details about character and health.
By looking at the different Vargas, astrologers can give specific predictions about your strengths, challenges, and opportunities in different areas of life. This makes astrology much more personal and tailored to your unique chart.
Conclusion
The division of zodiac signs into Vargas is like zooming in with a magnifying glass. Each Varga gives more detailed insights, allowing astrologers to paint a clearer and more specific picture of your life. By understanding Vargas like Rasi, Hora, Drekkana, Navamsa, and others, we gain a deeper understanding of how the planets influence us in areas ranging from our health and career to our relationships and spiritual growth.
These subdivisions make astrology a powerful tool for self-awareness and guidance, helping you navigate life’s challenges and make the most of your natural strengths. Each layer of the Varga divisions offers a more personalized view of who you are, showing how the cosmic influences play out in your unique journey.
Understanding Vargas takes astrology from being a simple Sun sign-based system to a complex, in-depth tool that can provide guidance at every level of life—offering a true glimpse into the mysteries of the universe!